Barça makes moves on Miranda

Joao Mirandacould be set to join Barcelona as the club looks to strengthen their back four ahead of next season. The Catalan giants are currently studying several options given that they could bring in up to two centre-backs.

Barcelona made first contact with the defender's agent on Wednesday in an attempt to negotiate the personal terms of his new contract. There is no room for negotiation with Atlético de Madrid, as the club have no intention of letting their man go for less than his 20m buy-out clause.

Miranda would bring experience to Barça's backline. Already 29 years old, he knows the Spanish league inside out and has just had an outstanding season at Atlético de Madrid.

Barcelona have had their eye on the player for a while as a potential transfer target for next season. This isn't the first time the club have spoken with his agents in an attempt to sign him and a deal could now be close.

Meanwhile, the Catalans are still intent on signing Marquinhos, who found himself caught up in a strange turn of events on Tuesday, when a statement in which he allegedly said that he wanted to play for Barça next season was broadcast on a Barcelona radio station. The footballer denied the interview half an hour later via his Twitter account.